Jemaa el-Fna Square

Jemaa el-Fna Square is at the heart of Marrakech’s social and economic life, and is one of the city’s main attractions. Located in the centre of Marrakech, between the mosques, the souks and just a few metres from the most important palaces, it attracts over a million visitors every year.

The Square is renowned for its endless entertainment, and has been Marrakech’s landmark for centuries. The square was laid out in the 11th century, at the same time as the rest of the city, and was once a gathering place for the population, who came to watch public executions.

If translated into English, the square is called Square of the Dead… It was the meeting point for merchants from abroad who came to buy or sell goods. For many centuries, and still today, it has also been a place where arts, music and dance mingle. A genuine meeting point for snake charmers, storytellers, fortune-tellers, acrobats and monkey trainers…

In 2001, it was included in the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list as a testament to its extraordinary cultural assets. The square becomes even more vibrant as night falls, with dozens of stalls offering a wide range of Moroccan delicacies, served in a setting that you won’t find anywhere else!

It’s a place where you can eat, buy souvenirs, listen to music and be entertained by the various shows on offer! If you fancy a different view of the square, why not pop into one of the bars and restaurants lining the square and climb to the top terrace for a bird’s eye view?